U.S. patent number 7,020,906 [Application Number 10/813,325] was granted by the patent office on 2006-04-04 for two part docking and filling station for pressurized containers.
This patent grant is currently assigned to LifeGas, LLC. Invention is credited to Mauricio Eslava C., Frederick Cuffari, Jr., Bernard Dessole, Mats Dhanvin Zoroaster Hvalgren, Ingrid S. Jonsson, Christopher G. Patterson, Robert W. Stauder, Deborah A. Vermillion, Jeffrey Rex Winegar.
United States Patent |
7,020,906 |
Cuffari, Jr. , et
al. |
April 4, 2006 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Two part docking and filling station for pressurized containers
Abstract
An arrangement and associated method for moving and filling
multiple storage containers with pressurized contents. The
arrangement includes a movable rack for receiving the multiple
containers. The rack includes ground-engaging movable members for
permitting the rack and the multiple containers received thereon to
be moved. The arrangement includes a fixed filling station that has
a plurality of dispensing devices. Each dispensing device is
engagable with a storage container to provide the pressurized
contents to the containers. The rack and the filling station are
arranged such that the rack is movable into proximity with the
filling station and the rack is movable away from the filling
station. The dispensing devices are arranged within the filling
station such that each container is in proximity to a respective
device when the rack and the filling station are in proximity.
Also, an arrangement and method for moving and filling different
types of storage containers.
Inventors: |
Cuffari, Jr.; Frederick
(Russell, OH), Vermillion; Deborah A. (Strongsville, OH),
Jonsson; Ingrid S. (Lidingo, SE), Hvalgren; Mats
Dhanvin Zoroaster (Lidingo, SE), Dessole; Bernard
(Freneuse, FR), C.; Mauricio Eslava (Bogata,
CO), Winegar; Jeffrey Rex (Charlotte, NC),
Patterson; Christopher G. (Roswell, GA), Stauder; Robert
W. (Strongsville, OH) |
Assignee: |
LifeGas, LLC (Norcross,
GA)
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Family
ID: |
33101379 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/813,325 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2004 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20040194853 A1 |
Oct 7, 2004 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60459847 |
Apr 2, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/231; 141/18;
4/237 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F17C
13/084 (20130101); F17C 2201/0109 (20130101); F17C
2201/0119 (20130101); F17C 2201/032 (20130101); F17C
2201/035 (20130101); F17C 2201/058 (20130101); F17C
2205/0107 (20130101); F17C 2205/013 (20130101); F17C
2205/0161 (20130101); F17C 2205/037 (20130101); F17C
2223/0123 (20130101); F17C 2223/0153 (20130101); F17C
2223/033 (20130101); F17C 2223/036 (20130101); F17C
2225/0123 (20130101); F17C 2225/0153 (20130101); F17C
2225/033 (20130101); F17C 2225/036 (20130101); F17C
2227/04 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65B
1/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;141/231,237,239,36,133,164,279,130,369,378,2,3,18,20,67 ;222/608
;422/100-102 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Huynh; Khoa D.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Pearne & Gordon LLP
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATION
Benefit of priority of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/459,847 filed Apr. 2, 2003 is claimed and the disclosure is
incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed:
1. An arrangement for moving and filling multiple storage
containers with pressurized contents, the arrangement including: a
movable rack having a plurality of shelf-like structures, each
shelf being vertically arranged with respect to one another and
each shelf including a plurality of container locations for
receiving the multiple containers; ground-engaging movable members
attached to the movable rack for permitting the movable rack and
the multiple containers received thereon to be moved, wherein the
movable rack includes a frame having a lower portion and an
upstanding portion, the lower portion having the ground-engaging
movable members being mounted thereon; a filling station comprising
a fixed rack having a plurality of dispensing devices secured to
the fixed rack, each dispensing device being engageable with a
storage container to provide the pressurized contents to the
multiple containers on the movable rack; wherein the movable rack
and the fixed rack are arranged such that the movable rack is
movable via the ground engaging movable members into proximity with
and away from the fixed rack, and wherein the dispensing devices
are secured to the fixed rack in an array that generally mimics the
array of container locations located on the plurality of shelf-like
structures such that each container is in proximity to a respective
dispensing device when the movable rack and the fixed rack are in
proximity, wherein each of the dispensing devices are suspended by
a retractable holder, each holder including a spring-biased tether
attached to adjacent ends of the respective dispensing device.
2. An arrangement as set forth in claim 1, wherein the containers
need not be adjusted or removed from the movable rack while the
movable rack is moved into proximity with the fixed rack, the
containers receive the pressurized contents, or the movable rack is
moved out of proximity with the fixed rack.
3. An arrangement as set forth in claim 1, wherein the movable rack
is movable via operation of the ground engaging movable members out
of proximity with the fixed rack to a location relatively distant
from the fixed rack such that a second movable rack may be moved
into proximity with the fixed rack.
4. An arrangement as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of the
container locations is adapted to receive a respective container in
a substantially horizontal position.
5. An arrangement as set forth in claim 1, wherein the fixed rack
includes a plurality of ground-engaging supports that are secured
to the ground.
6. An arrangement as set forth in claim 5, wherein the
ground-engaging supports includes a wheel receiving arrangement
adapted to receive the ground-engaging movable members attached to
the movable rack.
7. An arrangement as set forth in claim 1, wherein the movable rack
includes at least three shelf-like structures on which the
containers are supporting and the fixed rack includes at least
three banks in which the dispensing couplings are arranged, with
each bank having a height that is congruent to a height of the
corresponding shelf-like structure.
8. A method for moving and filling multiple storage containers with
pressurized contents, the method including: placing the multiple
containers onto a plurality of container locations provided on a
plurality of shelf-like structures of a movable rack, each
shelf-like structure being vertically arranged with respect one
another; moving the movable rack and the containers thereon into
proximity of a fixed rack via operation of ground-engaging movable
members mounted to the movable rack, wherein the movable rack
includes a frame having a lower portion and an upstanding portion,
the lower portion having the ground-engaging movable members being
mounted thereon; engaging each of the containers to a respective
dispensing device of a plurality of the dispensing devices secured
to the fixed rack to provide the pressurized contents to the
containers, the dispensing devices being arranged in an array on
the fixed rack that mimics an array of container locations located
on the plurality of shelf-like structures, wherein each of the
dispensing devices are suspended by a retractable holder, each
holder including a spring-biased tether attached to adjacent ends
of the respective dispensing device; disengaging the containers
from the respective dispensing devices; and moving the movable rack
away from the fixed rack with the containers remaining on the
movable rack.
9. A method as set forth in claim 8, wherein the movable rack
includes locations for receiving the containers such that the
containers need not be adjusted or removed from the movable rack
during the steps of moving the movable rack and the containers
thereon, engaging each of the containers to respective dispensing
devices, disengaging the containers from the respective dispensing
devices, and moving the movable rack away from the filling station
with the containers.
10. A method as set forth in claim 8, wherein the step of moving
the rack away from the filling station with the containers includes
moving the rack out of proximity with the filling station to a
location relatively distant from the filling station such that a
second movable rack may be moved into proximity with the filling
station.
11. A method as set forth in claim 8, wherein the step of moving
the movable rack into proximity of a fixed rack includes guiding at
least one of the ground-engaging movable members of the movable
rack into at least one wheel receiving arrangement located on at
least one ground-engaging support coupled to the fixed rack.
12. An arrangement for moving and filling multiple storage
containers of different types with pressurized contents, the
arrangement including: a first holding device for receiving a first
type group of the multiple containers and movable to permit the
first holding device and the containers received thereon to be
moved; a second holding device for receiving a second type group of
the multiple containers and movable to permit the second holding
device and the containers received thereon to be moved; and a fixed
filling station having a plurality of dispensing devices, each
engageable with a storage container to provide the pressurized
contents to the container, wherein each of the dispensing devices
are suspended by a retractable holder, each holder including a
spring-biased tether attached to adjacent ends of the respective
dispensing device; wherein the first and second holding devices and
the filling station are arranged such that each of the first and
second holding devices is movable into proximity with the filling
station and movable away from the filling station, and the first
holding device includes ground-engaging movable members attached to
the first holding device for permitting the first holding device
and the multiple containers received thereon to be moved, and
wherein the first holding device is configured to hold the first
group of the multiple containers on a movable rack with vertically
arranged shelf-like structures and the second holding device is
configured to hold the second group of the multiple containers on a
pallet, wherein the movable rack includes a frame having a lower
portion and an upstanding portion, the lower portion having the
ground-engaging movable members being mounted thereon.
13. An arrangement as set forth in claim 12, wherein the first
holding device and the filling station include parts that mate when
the first holding device and the filling station are in
proximity.
14. A method for moving and filling multiple storage containers
with pressurized contents, the method including: placing a first
group of the multiple containers onto a first holding device;
moving the first holding device and the containers thereon into
proximity of a fixed filling station; engaging each of the
containers on the first holding device to a respective dispensing
device of a plurality of the dispensing devices to provide the
pressurized contents to the containers, wherein each of the
dispensing devices are suspended by a retractable holder, each
holder including a spring-biased tether attached to adjacent ends
of the respective dispensing device; disengaging the containers
from the respective dispensing devices; and moving the first
holding device from the filling station with the containers on the
first holding device remaining on the first holding device; placing
a second group of the multiple containers onto a second holding
device; moving the second holding device and the containers thereon
into proximity of a fixed filling station; engaging each of the
containers on the second holding device to a respective dispensing
device of a plurality of the dispensing devices to provide the
pressurized contents to the containers; disengaging the containers
from the respective dispensing devices; and moving the second
holding device from the filling station with the containers on the
second holding device remaining on the second holding device;
wherein the steps of moving the first holding device into proximity
of the filling station and moving the first holding device from the
filling station is via ground-engaging movable members mounted to
the first holding device, and wherein the step of placing the first
group of the multiple containers onto the first holding device
includes placing the containers on a movable rack having vertically
arranged shelf-like structures of the first holding device, wherein
the movable rack includes a frame having a lower portion and an
upstanding portion, the lower portion having the ground-engaging
movable members being mounted thereon, and the step of placing the
second group of the multiple containers onto the second holding
device includes placing the containers on a pallet structure of the
second holding device.
15. A method as set forth in claim 14, wherein the step of moving
the first holding device and the containers thereon into proximity
of a fixed filling station includes mating parts of the first
holding device and the filling station.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to filling multiple containers with
pressurized contents. The present invention specifically relates to
an arrangement for filling multiple containers in an expedient
manner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the art of suppling pressurized materials, such as compressed
gas, it is known to fill smaller containers (e.g., tanks) from a
larger bulk source. Often, there are a great number of smaller
containers that are to be filled from a bulk source. Accordingly,
the amount of manual labor tends to increase proportionately to an
increase in the number of containers that are to be filled.
Also, various other steps are involved in a process of the filling
of containers. For example, the containers must be evacuated and
cleaned prior to filling, and the containers must be sealed,
secured, and labeled subsequent to filling. Also, the containers
often must be handled between such process steps (e.g., moving the
containers among process step locations). Similar to the filling
step itself, the amount of manual labor typically increases for
such other steps proportionately to an increase in the number of
containers that are to be filled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in
order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the
invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the
invention. It is intended to neither identify key or critical
elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the invention.
Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a
simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that
is presented later.
In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides an
arrangement for moving and filling multiple storage containers with
pressurized contents. The arrangement includes a movable rack for
receiving the multiple containers. The rack includes
ground-engaging movable members for permitting the rack and the
multiple containers received thereon to be moved. The arrangement
includes a fixed filling station that has a plurality of dispensing
devices. Each dispensing device is engagable with a storage
container to provide the pressurized contents to the containers.
The rack and the filling station are arranged such that the rack is
movable into proximity with the filling station and the rack is
movable away from the filling station. The dispensing devices are
arranged within the filling station such that each container is in
proximity to a respective dispensing device when the rack and the
filling station are in proximity.
In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a
method for moving and filling multiple storage containers with
pressurized contents. The multiple containers are placed onto a
movable rack. The rack and the containers thereon are moved into
proximity of a fixed filling station via operation of
ground-engaging movable members of the rack. Each of the containers
is engaged to a respective dispensing device of a plurality of the
dispensing devices to provide the pressurized contents to the
containers. The containers are disengaged from the respective
dispensing devices. The rack is moved away from the filling station
with the containers remaining on the rack.
In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides
an arrangement for moving and filling multiple storage containers
of different types with pressurized contents. The arrangement
includes a first holding device for receiving a first type group of
the multiple containers and movable to permit the first holding
device and the containers received thereon to be moved, and a
second holding device for receiving a second type group of the
multiple containers and movable to permit the second holding device
and the containers received thereon to be moved. The arrangement
includes a fixed filling station having a plurality of dispensing
devices, each engagable with a storage container to provide the
pressurized contents to the container. The first and second holding
devices and the filling station are arranged such that each of the
first and second holding devices is movable into proximity with the
filling station and movable away from the filling station. The
first holding device includes ground-engaging movable members for
permitting the first holding device and the multiple containers
received thereon to be moved.
In accordance with yet another aspect, the present invention
provides a method for moving and filling multiple storage
containers with pressurized contents. A first group of the multiple
containers is placed onto a first holding device. The first holding
device and the containers thereon are moved into proximity of a
fixed filling station. Each of the containers on the first holding
device is engaged to a respective dispensing device of a plurality
of the dispensing devices to provide the pressurized contents to
the containers. The containers are disengaged from the respective
dispensing devices. The first holding device is moved from the
filling station with the containers on the first holding device
remaining on the first holding device. A second group of the
multiple containers is placed onto a second holding device. The
second holding device and the containers thereon are moved into
proximity of a fixed filling station. Each of the containers on the
second holding device is engaged to a respective dispensing device
of a plurality of the dispensing devices to provide the pressurized
contents to the containers. The containers are disengaged from the
respective dispensing devices. The second holding device is moved
from the filling station with the containers on the second holding
device remaining on the second holding device. The steps of moving
the first holding device into proximity of the filling station and
moving the first holding device from the filling station is via
ground-engaging movable members on the first holding device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Features and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in art to which the present invention
relates upon reviewing the following description with reference to
the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side view illustration of an arrangement in accordance
with one aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing
the arrangement in a different position;
FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of a fixed-position filling
station portion of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1
FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of a mobile rack portion of
the arrangement shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged, reverse angle perspective view of a wheel
guide portion of the filling station;
FIG. 6 is a perspective illustration of the rack in a final
engagement position with the filling station;
FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of another arrangement in
accordance with another aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is side view illustration of the arrangement of FIG. 7 and
shows the movement of a mobile rack to a fixed-position fill
station; and
FIG. 9 is view similar to FIG. 8, but shows another device that can
also be used with the fixed-position fill station of the
arrangement.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
The present invention is described herein with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like
elements throughout. It is to be appreciated that the various
drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale from one figure to
another nor inside a given figure, and in particular that the sizes
of the components are arbitrarily drawn for facilitating the
reading of the drawings. In the following description, for purposes
of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the presented examples of the
present invention. However, it is to be appreciated that the
present invention may be practiced without these specific
details.
An example of an arrangement 10 for moving and filling multiple
containers 12 with pressurized contents is shown in FIG. 1. The
contents may be compressed gas, liquified gas, liquid, or the like.
It is to be appreciated that the shown example of the arrangement
is directed for use with an E-type cylinder or tank as the
containers 12. However, it is to be appreciated that the present
invention is applicable to other types of containers, cylinders,
tanks of various shapes, etc. Also, the material that is to be
introduced into the containers 12 may have any chemical
composition. The material may be in a gaseous form, may be in a
liquid form, or the material may be in both phases.
The arrangement 10 includes two major components. The first
component is a movable rack 14 upon which a plurality of the
containers 12 are located. The second component of the arrangement
10 is a fixed filling station 16. The rack 14 is movable relative
to the filling station 16. A comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2 provides
an indication of the movability of the rack 14. FIG. 3 provides an
illustrative view of an example of the details of the filling
station 16 and FIG. 4 provides an illustrative view of an example
of details of the rack 14.
Focusing first on the rack 14, attention is directed to FIG. 4. The
rack 14 has a frame 20, which includes a lower portion 22 and an
upstanding portion 24. Mounted on the bottom of the lower portion
22 are a plurality (e.g., four) of ground-engaging wheels 26. The
rack 14 can be wheeled relative to ground by pushing on the rack.
It is to be appreciated that the surface which can be considered as
ground should be broadly interpreted, however, the ground will
typically be a floor (e.g., a floor of a facility). It is to be
appreciated that the rack 14 could be moved across other surfaces,
such as a floor of a truck bed, which should also be considered to
be ground. Also, it is to be appreciated that additional features
and structures may be associated with the wheels 26. For example,
one or more of the wheels may have an optional feature of a wheel
lock that is manually operable (e.g., via a foot switch).
Also, it is to be appreciated that wheels are but one type of
ground-engaging members. It is contemplated that other types of
ground-engaging members (e.g., tracks, skids, etc.) could be used.
Still further, although the show example rack 14 is intended to be
movable via manual force, It is to be appreciated that other means
of moving the rack (e.g., towing with a motorized vehicle, self
propelled) are possible.
Turning to the example structure of the rack 14, the upstanding
portion 24 includes supporting structure 28 for supporting a
plurality of the containers 12. In the shown example, the
supporting structure 28 includes three shelf-like structures 30A
30C. It is to be appreciated that a different number of shelf-like
structures is possible. Each shelf-like structure (e.g., 30A)
includes a plurality of container locations 32. It is contemplated
that the number of container locations 32 may differ from the
number shown in the example. The construction of the shelf-like
structures 30A 30C and the container locations 32 may have any
suitable construction and/or configuration to support the
containers. In the illustrated example, each of the container
locations 32 is a somewhat trough-like structure that has a neck
portion that mates with a neck portion of the containers. However,
it is to be appreciated that other structures for providing
container locations are contemplated. Such other structures may
utilize shelves or may utilize some other construction.
Turning to the filling station 16 (FIG. 3), it is to be appreciated
that the filling station is fixed relative to ground (e.g., floor)
of the facility within which the arrangement 10 is utilized. The
filling station 16 includes an upstanding framework 40 and a
plurality of ground-engaging supports 42A 42C upon which the
upstanding framework 40 is supported. It is to be appreciated that
the supports 42A 42C may be secured to the ground via any suitable
means such as bolts, screws, welding, or the like.
At least one, and possibly more, of the supports (e.g., 42A 42C )
has a wheel receiving arrangement 44 (FIGS. 3 and 5). Specifically,
structure is provided to guide, receive, hold, restrain, etc. one
or more of the wheels 26 of the rack 14 (See FIG. 6). The structure
of the shown receiving arrangement 44 is one example such that
positioning of the rack 14 relative to the filling station 16 is an
easy and expedient process. It is to be appreciated that different
structures, possibly located at a different portion of the filling
station 16, and possibly engaging a different portion of the rack
14, are contemplated for guiding, retaining, and the like. Such
aspects of guiding, retaining, and the like should be broadly
interpreted, and are to be considered as examples of mating of the
respective parts of the rack 14 and the filling station 16 when the
rack is brought into proximity.
Located on the upstanding framework 40 (FIG. 3) of the filling
station 16 are a plurality of dispensing couplings 50 that are
connected via suitable lines/piping 52 to a bulk source (not shown)
of material (e.g., gas or liquid) that will be delivered as
contents to the containers 12. It is to be appreciated that
suitable support structure, lines, valving, etc. are also present
on the filling station 16 for the dispensing couplings 50. Further,
it is to be appreciated that the dispensing couplings 50 are but
one type of dispensing device. It is to be appreciated that other
devices for providing the pressurized contents are contemplated. In
some respects, the type of dispensing device will be related to the
type of container and/or the pressurized contents to be provided.
As such, dispensing devices are to be broadly interpreted.
Within FIG. 3, only three dispensing couplings 50 are shown to
avoid undue drawing confusion within FIG. 3. However, it is to be
appreciated that more dispensing couplings are provided. It is
contemplated that the number of dispensing couplings 50 will
generally be of the same number as the container locations 32 that
are present on the rack 14. Further, the dispensing couplings 50
are arranged in an array that generally mimics the array of
container locations 32 located on the several shelf-like structures
30A 30C of the rack 14. As such, in the shown example, the
dispensing couplings 50 are arranged in three banks 54A 54C, with
each bank having a height that is somewhat congruent to the height
of the associated shelf-like structures 30A 30C on the rack 14.
With the rack 14 in proximity to the filling station 16, the
dispensing couplings 50 are in proximity to the containers 12. In
the shown example, the container locations 32 are such that the
containers 12 need not be adjusted or removed in order for the rack
14 to be moved into proximity with the filling station 16, in order
for the containers 12 to receive the pressurized contents, or in
order for the rack to be moved out of proximity with the filling
station.
Turning attention to FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be easily appreciated
that the rack 14 can be moved relative to the filling station 16
with the multiple containers 12 located thereon. This allows for an
expedient movement and control of the multiple containers 12.
Further, the movability of the rack 14 permits the containers 12 to
be loaded on the rack at a location that is remote from the filling
station 16. As such, the containers 12 can be loaded on the rack 14
at a location associated with cleaning and/or evacuation of the
containers prior to movement of the movable rack with the
containers thereon toward the filling station 16. Also, subsequent
to filling of the containers 12 at the filling station 16, the
movable rack can be moved, with all of the containers 12 thereon,
to a subsequent processing location, such as a location for
sealing, securing and labeling the containers. Accordingly, manual
loading and unloading of the containers 12 at a plurality of work
stations is reduced.
Turning to examples of the uses of the arrangement, it is to be
appreciated that various methods are possible. As one example, the
rack 14 is initially at a location that is spaced away from the
filling station 16 (i.e., remotely located and not proximately
located with respect to the filling station). Also, initially, the
rack 14 is empty of containers 12. Subsequently, containers 12 are
loaded onto the rack 14 at the remote location. The remote location
may be associated with a cleaning and/or purging area for the
containers 12. As the containers 12 are cleaned and/or purged, the
containers are loaded onto the rack 14.
Once the rack 14 is loaded (e.g., either fully or partially, as
desired), the loaded rack 14 is moved toward the filling station
16. The movable rack 14, with the containers 12 located thereon, is
moved toward a mating interconnection with the filling station 16.
Once in proximity, locks, if locks are present on the wheels 26,
are secured.
An operator proceeds to connect each of the plurality of dispensing
couplings 50 to the respective containers 12. Of course, any level
of automation may also be employed. Once all of the dispensing
couplings 50 are connected to the respective containers 12, the
filling process occurs. It is to be appreciated that various known
techniques, structures, etc. are involved in the process of filling
multiple containers in batch type approach. As such, details of
such procedures and structures are not discussed herein for
brevity.
Subsequent to the filling of the containers 12, the dispensing
couplings 50 are removed from the containers. Once the filled
containers 12 are free from the dispensing couplings 50, the rack
14, now containing full containers is moved away from the filling
station 16. It is to be appreciated that another rack 14,
containing empty containers 12 may be moved into place to mate with
the filling station 16. As such, the structure of the filling
station 16 can achieve maximum utilization because individual
containers 12 do not need to be loaded at a location of the filling
station 16. Plural racks 14 can be distributed/moving around a
facility, with only one movable rack being mated against the
filling station 16 for service thereat at a time period.
With plural movable racks 14, various different process steps can
occur on the containers at various locations other than at the
filling station, without needing to remove the containers 12 from
the rack. For example, identifying labels can be applied to the
filled containers 12 while the containers are still on the rack 14,
but after the rack is moved away from the filling station so as to
make way for a subsequent rack of containers to be filled. It is to
be noted that the containers 12 may remain upon the rack 14 while
the movable rack is away from the filling station 16. This
indicates the benefit of utilizing the movable rack 14, in that
manual loading and unloading is minimized.
It is to be appreciated that the above-discussed example is not the
only embodiment that is within the scope of the present invention.
Various changes and modifications are possible.
Turning to FIG. 7, another example of an arrangement 100 is shown.
It is to be appreciated that some of the structures of the
arrangement 100 are the same as corresponding previously-described
structures, and some of the structures of the arrangement are
similar to previously described structures. As such, similar
reference numerals, but which have an additional "1," are used to
describe the arrangement.
A rack 114 of the arrangement has a frame 120, which includes a
lower portion 122 and an upstanding portion 124. Mounted on the
bottom of the lower portion 122 are a plurality (e.g., four) of
ground-engaging wheels 126. The rack 114 can be wheeled relative to
ground by pushing on the rack. The upstanding portion 124 includes
supporting structure 128 for supporting a plurality of the
containers 112 (FIG. 8). In the shown example, the supporting
structure 128 includes three shelf-like structures 130A 130C, and
each shelf-like structure (e.g., 30A) includes a plurality of
container locations 132. It is to be appreciated that the various
structures (e.g., the wheels 126, and the shelf-like structures
130A 130C) may be varied.
Turning to the filling station 116, it can be appreciated that the
filling station of this arrangement 100 (FIGS. 7 and 8) is somewhat
different than the filling station 16 (see FIGS. 1 3) of the
previous arrangement 10. However, it is to be appreciated that the
filling station 116 (FIGS. 7 and 8) is fixed relative to ground
(e.g., floor) of the facility within which the arrangement 100 is
utilized. The filling station 116 includes an upstanding framework
140 and two ground-engaging supports 142A, 142B upon which the
upstanding framework 140 is supported. It is to be appreciated that
the supports 142A, 142B may be secured to the ground via any
suitable means such as bolts, screws, welding, or the like.
Located on the upstanding framework 140 of the filling station 116
are a plurality of dispensing couplings 150 that are connected to a
bulk source (not shown) of material (e.g., gas or liquid) that will
be delivered as contents to the containers 112 (FIG. 8). It is to
be appreciated that suitable support structure, lines, valving,
etc. are also present on the filling station 116 for the dispensing
couplings 150. For example, two banks 154A, 154B are shown.
Further, it is to be appreciated that the dispensing couplings 150
are but one type of dispensing device. It is to be appreciated that
other devices for providing the pressurized contents are
contemplated. In some respects, the type of dispensing device will
be related to the type of container and/or the pressurized contents
to be provided. As such, dispensing devices are to be broadly
interpreted.
Within FIG. 7, only three dispensing couplings 150 are shown to
avoid undue drawing confusion within FIG. 7, and similarly only two
are shown in FIG. 8. However, it is to be appreciated that more
dispensing couplings 150 are provided. It is contemplated that the
number of dispensing couplings 150 may the same number as the
container locations 132 that are present on the rack 114. However,
for this arrangement, there need not be a one-to-one correspondence
of the number between the container locations 132 and the
dispensing couplings 150.
Each of the dispensing couplings 150 are suspended by a retractable
holder 160. Specifically, each holder 160 includes a spring-biased
tether attached adjacent to ends of the respective coupling 150.
Each coupling 150 can be pulled, against the spring bias, to a
desired location of the rack 114, and a respective container 112
located thereat. Suitable structure is provided within each holder
to maintain the tether at a desired extended length without
retraction (e.g., a retraction locking mechanism). Also, it is
contemplated that some or all of the holders 160 are movable
relative to the framework 140.
As such, with the rack 114 in proximity to the filling station 116,
the dispensing couplings 150 are moved into proximity to the
containers 112. Similar to the arrangement 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2,
and 6, the containers 112 need not be adjusted or removed in order
for the rack 114 to be moved into proximity with the filling
station 16, in order for the containers 112 to receive the
pressurized contents, or in order for the rack to be moved out of
proximity with the filling station. Once filling is complete, the
couplings 150 are removed and the tethers of the holders 160 are
retracted (e.g., deactivation of the retraction locking
mechanism).
It can be easily appreciated that the rack 114 can be moved
relative to the filling station 116 with the multiple containers
112 located thereon. This allows for an expedient movement and
control of the multiple containers 112. Further, the movability of
the rack 114 permits the containers 112 to be loaded and unloaded
at a location that is remote from the filling station 116. Also,
other process steps can be performed on the containers 112, while
the containers are on the rack 114, thus manual loading and
unloading of the containers at a plurality of work stations is
reduced.
Additional benefits are provided by the filling station 116,
specifically other types of racks, carts, pallets, etc. (e.g.,
holding device) can be used with the filling station. Also,
different types if containers can be filled. FIG. 9 shows such an
example. Specifically, a different type of rack, cart, pallet, or
the like that holds containers (e.g., large cylinders) 112' is
movable (as shown by arrows) into proximity. Thus, a different
arrangement, as designated by the use of the "'" for the
arrangement 112' is provided. It is contemplated that the different
arrangement 112' may include the different racks, carts, pallets,
or the like, and may also include the rack 14 (FIG. 4), and/or the
rack 114 (FIG. 7). As such, the shown holding device is to be
understood to be any of such structures.
In view of the fact that any type of rack, cart, pallet, or the
like can be used, few structural details are discussed. In the
shown example, the rack, cart, pallet, or the like has some
supporting structure (e.g., a frame 120'). It is to be appreciated
that any useful supporting structure 120' is possible. Also in the
shown example, the rack, cart, pallet, or the like has a means
(e.g., wheels 126') for movement. It is to be appreciated that any
means for movement are possible. In particular, the means for
movement may be an external device, such as a forklift. Thus, the
means for movement would not need to include such structure as the
shown wheels 126'.
It is contemplated that because the filling station 100' could be
used to fill various types of containers, interchangeable
components on the dispensing couplings may be used as needed. It is
to be appreciated that because the dispensing couplings 150 are
movable, via the extendible holders 160, the rack, cart, pallet, or
the like need not have a particular configuration and the couplings
are merely brought to the containers 112'.
What has been described above includes exemplary implementations of
the present invention. It is, of course, not possible to describe
every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for
purposes of describing the present invention, but one of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations and
permutations of the present invention are possible. Accordingly,
the present invention is intended to embrace all such alterations,
modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope
of the appended claims.
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